Trapiche Viña Victorio Coletto Malbec 2004

Malbec is one of the six grape varieties permitted in Bordeaux, although it has declined in popularity in France, apparently because its susceptibility to frost and disease makes it difficult to produce well there.

In recent years, Malbec has been gaining traction as a varietal, particularly in Argentina. Malbec is the most planted red grape variety in there, even thought its plantings were reduced by more than tenfold during the 1980's through a vine pull program (that is, a scheme in which growers receive incentives to pull out vines, usually instituted to counter overproduction or encourage growth of more popular varieties).

I usually think of Malbec as South America's version of Australian Shiraz: fruity, smooth, and flavourful, but not usually very complex or interesting. I'm not sure if that's what Malbec is typically like, but that has been my experience. But this wine is not at all like that. Rather, it's fairly complex, well structured, and full of interesting flavours. The nose is lush, yet elegant, with blackberries, coniferous forest, tobacco, licorice, pepper, cloves, and tar. There is isn't quite as much on the palate as the nose, but it also is fruity, yet structured, and also clear and long, finishing with puckeringly firm tannins.

There is a lot to like about this wine. Also, it goes nicely with dark chocolate.

Price: $40.43
Value: 3.5/5
Score: 91
Alcohol: 15%
Grape: Malbec
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Tasted: Dec 21 2008
UPC: 7790240091625